May 2009 Archives

What a statement! What a system! What a Job Description! My question for MP's - If your job description (especially the bit about expenses) is fair and correct and that you are worth it, why can't the rest of the country enjoy the same terms and conditions?
Rubbish! is your united response. The tiny numbers of MP's who abuse the system should not be seen as true representatives of the majority of MP's. No problem with that, but why not fix the system so that MP's are seen as normal people working to sensible terms and conditions as the rest of the country? To my mind, I see our Parliament getting closer and closer to the European system of scant control of money matters. It is 14 years since the books in Brussels were audited, but they still pay MEPs and staff - so that's OK then.
In Westminster when such a problem appears, the form is to call for an investigation.
But strict care must be taken for the correct person to be chosen to lead the enquiry, as my favourite Civil Servant (Sir Humphrey) was fond of saying...........

Considering the events of the last few weeks, it can only be the silly old fool from Dad's Army who is in charge of panics at HQ. The latest Government guidance advises that if we have a flu pandemic then 750,000 people would be killed. This report produced by the Dept of Health was prepared last September. It forecasts horrific numbers of people who might get sick and perish. The report also talks of inadequate numbers of hospitals, staff and beds - Up to half of the population would be affected. A truly horrific scenario, guaranteed to produce panic, misery and fear.
So can I ask whoever is running the country now, to get their finger out and tell us what has been put into place to combat this mountain of suffering that is about decend on us. It would be comforting to be told that our medical people have organised our defences, so that when the first signs of this flu appeared in this country, adequate and senseable plans were put into action. So come on Mr Gordon Brown, please tell us that Jonesy has been sacked, you are in charge and that this report was the work of spin doctors.